Matthew Broadbent to hang up the boots.

Matthew Broadbent officially informed the club on Wednesday night that he will call time on his Hostplus SANFL League Career at the end of the season. 

Broadbent has played 111 league games prior to Round 17, and has kicked 28 goals.

Coming across to the Panthers at the start of the 2020 season, Broadbent made an immediate impact in the Panthers backline, averaging 22 disposals, 3 tackles and 1.5 intercept possessions per game. 

The former Eagles junior made his SANFL League debut in Round 2, 2009 against West Adelaide, where he would play 15 games from 2009-2013.

The Henley Sharks/Woodville West-Torrens junior was taken at pick 38 of the 2008 AFL Draft by the Power. 

He would go on to play 171 games for the Power kicking 52 goals. 

Having a break out season for the Power in 2012, Broadbent played 19 AFL games to earn a consistent spot in the side where he also finished equal second in the John Cahill Medal.

2014 saw Broadbent bring up his 100th AFL game against Carlton in round 22.

Following his retirement from AFL, Broadbent was a shinning light at his new home.

In his first year, he won the Knuckey Cup and earned his first The Advertiser Team of the Year selection.  

He's consistency would continue in 2021 by making his first West End State Team appearance, and claiming the Fos Williams Medal for best on ground in the game against WA. 

Broadbent would also earn another The Advertiser Team of the Year Selection in 2021. 

in 2021 and 2022, Broadbent would share Joint Vice-Captain duties with current skipper Jake Summerton, and sole Vice-Captain in 2023. 

Broadbent will play his last home match for South Adelaide fittingly against his former side in Port Adelaide tomorrow. 

When speaking about his choice to make the move to Flinders University Stadium, Broadbent said the club made him fall back in love with the game again. 

"I guess like I spoke about last night I’d really want to thank the club for helping me fall back in love with the game again over the last 4 years." Said Matthew Broadbent. 

"I learnt a lot about myself and grew as a leader and a man. Although I didn’t get the elusive ultimate prize, which I came here for, I walk away a much better person with a new family of relationships built. "

"Special mentions to the footy club and everyone involved. To Boofa who has been amazing as a mentor figure, and the amount of care he has shown me and my family has been above and beyond.

"To all of the back room staff who are the heartbeat of the footy club and keep the club running."

"To all supporters who keep showing up, and keep supporting this footy club week in week out. I wanted nothing more than to be part of a team that delivered you guys that trophy, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. Keep the faith and you will be rewarded."

"To the players past and present that I took the field with. Love you all."

"Finally to my family - mum, dad, my brother tim, his partner Michelle, my partner Jules, and our boys Tommy and Hugo. Thanks for your amazing support over the last 4 years, but also over the past 15-16 years to allow me to do what I love and support me through the ups and downs."

When talking about Broadbent's impact, Senior Coach Jarrad Wright mentioned that he was one of the key factors in helping the Panthers make back to back Prelims in 2020/2021, a feat last achieved in 1964/65 by the late Neil Kerley. 

"Matthew impact on the club since his arrival in 2020 has been massive helping the club reach back to back prelim finals (2020/21) and winning the Knuckey cup in his first year in 2020" Said Senior Coach Jarrad Wright

"His love for the club and his teammates was immediate which has developed a strong culture and standards throughout his 4 year journey at the club."

"To give back to state league football after a long and successful AFL career shows his passion for the game."

"I wish Matt, Julia, Hugo & Tommy all the best in the next phase of  family life and thank them for their investment to the football club."

Matthew Broadbent 

• 111* SANFL Games
• 171 AFL Games with Port Adelaide
• 61* South Adelaide Games 
• 12 Port Adelaide Magpies Games 2014-2019
• 15 Woodville West-Torrens Games 2009-2013
• 28* goals
• 58 AFL Goals
• Knuckey Cup Winner 2020
• Fos Williams Medallist 2021
• Vice Captain 2023
• Joint Vice Captain 2021-2022
• Equal runner-up John Cahill Medal 2012
• SANFL State Team Selection 2021
• The Advertiser Team of the Year 2020, 2021

*Prior to Round 17 v Port Adelaide